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it to and fro by way of greeting. Of one accord we welcomed him with a cheer. Obviously gratified by our appreciation, Nobby smiled an unmistakable smile and, wagging his tail more vigorously than before, quickened his flagging steps. A moment later he thrust a dusty nose against my extended hand and, bowing his tousled head sideways by way of homage, rolled over on his back and lay panting in the shade at my feet.
"Good little chap," said I, stroking his heaving flank. "It didn't take you long to get a move on."
"You darling!" said Jill, stooping to caress him "The way you went after that car was just heroic."
"I suppose," said Berry, "that if I were to suggest that he knew perfectly well that he couldn't catch it, and that it was nothing more than a brilliant display of eye-wash, I should be abused."
"What a shame!" cried Daphne and Jill in a breath. "What a beastly shame!"
"I said so," said Berry. "Now, if I'd got out and chased it, you'd have had me certified."
"I agree," I retorted. "And if you were to offer to walk to Marvel instead of me, I should have you watched."
"Don't be afraid," was the rejoinder. "The shock was severe, but I'm not as bad as that. How soon d'you think you'll be back?"
I turned to my sister.
"I'm banking on being able to get a car. But there mayn't be one. So, if you can get a lift, don't wait." I pointed to Nobby. "He'll want to come with me, so hang on to him. And if you could find some water"--I glanced at the oast-house--"I think he'd be glad of it."
"All right, dear. Take it as easy as you can."
A moment later I was striding along the Marvel road.
By the time I had covered the two miles it was a quarter past one, and I was unpleasantly hot. I was also conscious of being improperly dressed in an unusually loose grey overcoat, tweed cap, striped cashmere trousers and patent-leather boots. I had taken off my morning coat and waistcoat before starting to walk, but the heat was awful, and my stiff whi